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Sentencing her, Judge Robert Spragg said: “According to a witness who had the advantage of being sober, Mr Bainbridge began to laugh at your friend’s behaviour, which led to insults being exchanged between him and your friend.

“I make it absolutely clear, nothing Mr Bainbridge did, in terms of laughing at your friend’s behaviour, justifies, at all, what happened next.

“He maintains, and I agree with him, you had no reason to do this.

“The references speak of a different woman to the one involved in this incident.”

The court heard Wheatley had “taken a few steps back in shock” when she saw the blood and sent a message to her victim’s girlfriend shortly afterwards to apologise for what she had done.

Julie Clemitson, defending, handed in references about Wheatley’s ordinarily positive character and good background.

The court heard she had been with a friend that night, who was told her mother had been injured elsewhere in the bar but had been unable to find her so became frantic and was shouting.

Miss Clemitson said: “Mr Bainbridge found it funny and made comments to that effect.”

Miss Clemitson said it was then that Wheatley confronted Mr Bainbridge. But she added: “There is no suggestion he provoked the attack but it is not the same as turning on him for no reason whatsoever.”

The court heard Wheatley is a hard worker who has put her future career hopes in jeopardy as a result of the conviction but has taken steps to address her behaviour, including reducing her alcohol intake and saving up compensation.

She has said she is “ashamed and embarrassed” by what she did.

Miss Clemitson added: “She will be reminded forever of her mistake, it will hang over her forever.”